A/HRC/8/26 Page 12 that workers in that part of the economy should enjoy the benefits of social security, and that there should be equal conditions for those working in the informal or formal sector or the public and private sector. It wished to know more about the scheme as well as the scope and prospects for the Indian Government to implement it. 56. Switzerland referred to the reported cases of torture noted by the Human Rights Committee and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and welcomed India’s signature of the Convention against Torture and its determination to ratify it. It, therefore, recommended that India ratify the Convention as soon as possible. Additionally, it encouraged India to respond favourably to the renewed request made by the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture to be permitted to carry out a mission to the Indian territory as soon as possible. Lastly, it recommended that a standing invitation be extended by India to all the Council’s special procedures. 57. South Africa stated that its delegation was encouraged by India’s approach to embracing pluralism within the context of the promotion and protection of human rights. It also paid tribute to the efforts played by India in support of the struggle for freedom during the apartheid era. South Africa would appreciate receiving further information on (a) the functioning and results pertaining to the national commissions created to deal with minorities and vulnerable groups and (c) the system of the distribution of food and its application across all sections of the population. 58. Azerbaijan asked India to elaborate on (a) what practical measures were being taken to fight poverty, (b) what are the difficulties experienced by Scheduled Castes and Tribes in terms of their human rights, (c) what national plans exist on Internally Displaced Persons and what access is given to international humanitarian organizations to internal displacement affected regions, (d) school attendance of children in rural regions, and (e) human rights training among police and security forces. 59. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended India on its valuable efforts and commitments for the promotion and protection of human rights and asked that India provide further details on (a) the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, in particular the right to development, (b) measures taken to develop a culture of human rights, and (c) the role that civil society and the national human rights institution can play in this regard. 60. Nepal stated that a few hours ago Nepal successfully completed historic elections to the Constituent Assembly to institutionalize the peace process, establish democracy and place human rights at the centre of governance. Nepal warmly congratulated Indian on having successfully completed 60 years of democracy and stated that India has proved to be largest and most representative democracy in the world. Nepal observed that the deepening of democratic roots in India has produced strong institutions, an independent judiciary, a vibrant and free media and giving people their say and share in the governance of the country. Nepal commended India for its effective implementation of various policies, plans and programmes to promote equality and justice as well as its affirmative action programmes to address the situation of marginalized communities, to promote and protect of the rights of women and children and to support the disabled and elderly. Given the exemplary role of the National Human Rights Commission, Nepal asked how the Commission’s experience could be shared with other countries as a best practice. 61. Sri Lanka spoke about its enormous respect and admiration for India’s achievements. India had set an example of how to manage the vexed question of achieving unity in diversity. Sri Lanka stated that the thinking that has gone into the Indian Constitution approximates, in our part of the world, the achievement of the Framers of the Constitution of the United States of America and that this framework has served India well. Sri Lanka noted that despite the existence of a democratic